Follow me in twitter @momblogger.”Most bloggers who rise above the clutter are quite often prolific –they work hard, not just writing content but networking, engaging in Social Media and more.” Darren Rowse, problogger.net

Let’s face it – Social Media is pretty much a part of our lives. Whether one is young or prime time like me, those social media tools catch up on us. Don’t you find yourselves speaking social media lingo without even knowing it at times? After a photo shoot, you can hear your friend say “tag me in facebook, okay?”. Soon it will be “google plus” me later.

There is nothing like bringing one’s online community offline. This is what we did for Blog Watch , our citizen journalism community. Social Media day was last June 30 and we completely forgot to make plans for the day. Well, it is never too late to celebrate it and make plans for the future.

Blog Watch has been around since September 2009, almost two years now . We are slowly making our mark in digital activism and it is about time to expand our coverage and reach out to more netizens .

I barely write about it in this blog since the time my presidential candidate lost. You will recall Blog Watch introduced live streaming in its citizen media coverage . We were the first to use curation tools such as storify.net to gather news from different social media sources.

1. Interviewed seven (7) presidential candidates in the May 10, 2010 elections
2. Interviewed some senatorial candidates, congressional candidates and a few local candidates
3. Covered the first Inaugural of President Aquino, first media coverage of the Aquino administration
4. Stories that traditional media picked up from our twitter timeline and that first broke off in Twitter

• Pilipinas Kay Ganda
• @congMP deletes his twitter account
• Coral poaching
• Child abuse against Willie Revillame
• Manny Pacquiao alleged Boracay resort
• PCSO – He said, She said

There are many lessons and quotes in social media I learned in the last two years especially in Twitter. Starting out with only 500 followers in September 2009, I now have 7100 plus followers because they wanted to hear about news not found in tri-media. Compared to big media networks and celebrities, the number is a drop in the bucket. The numbers do not matter. Let me tell you how it is.

1. Influence is not about popularity.

2. It is not the number of followers or fans that matters. Think about what to achieve with and through the community who cares about your goals.

3. “Facebook is for people you used to know. Twitter is for people you want to know.” Author Unknown

4. Find the key issues that concern your audience and this will easily get them to be engaged with you. “You are what you tweet.” – Alex Tew

5. Credibility is all you’ve got. Be consistent and fair.
Nils Montan says “ATA – be AUTHENCTIC, be TRANSPARENT, be ALTRUISTIC, and you will find enough success in Social Media to have a satisfying career and experience.”

6. “Focus on how to be social, not on how to do social.” Jay Baer
Be conversational, engaged and true to yourself.

7. “Build it, nurture it, engage them, and they may come and stay”. Seth Godin

It is great to be in a community composed of people with diverse interests yet share a love of country , and trying to make President Aquino’s administration succeed. Social media is just a tool we use to achieve this.

“Live to Love and Love to Live! Relationship is everything in the Social Media world” ——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.The topic is still a burning issue. The Big Bad Blogger and the evil PR brouhaha is still making waves in the Philippine blogosphere. I am always asked, “who do you think is big bad blogger?” or “is there really a big bad blogger?” I am aware there are a lot of bloggers with various interest, business model and purpose. I may not agree with all the time but I have yet to hear or encounter allegations of “extortion”. The accusations are downright unfair. In fact the the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) issued a statement on
“In the Interest of Philippine Blogosphere”

(This is an industry response to Marguax Salcedo’s column dated 23 Jan 2011 in Sunday Inquirer Magazine, where she hinted at unethical behavior by a blogger and a PR agency http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20110122-315972/)

Please-Dont-Give-Blogging-a-Bad-Name IMMAP recognizes the value that blog marketing brings to the success of building brands in the digital space. Bloggers themselves are publishers of their own personal websites, and as such are entitled to embrace opportunities to monetize their online presences.

We also recognize the fact that digital PR agencies, which help clients manage their online reputation, often engage bloggers for word-of-mouth promotion.

We understand that blogging as a credible medium can only grow if there is transparency and accountability by all parties — clients, agencies, and writers. It is in the public’s best interest to know if a write-up is affected by a potential conflict of interest.

Our biggest concern with Ms. Salcedo’s article is that it was essentially a blind item. Speculation (amplified by social media) only casts doubt on all bloggers and all PR agencies, which doesn’t help anyone. However, if the insinuations are true, then such behavior — essentially blackmailing a potential client with the threat of a negative review — is unacceptable as a marketing services practice. This is something IMMAP frowns upon as it diminishes the credibility of the medium. We also believe that such behavior is limited to a few black hat practitioners and not representative of the Philippine Blogosphere.

We hope that at some point Ms. Salcedo will clarify the issue and disclose the names of the client, blogger, and PR agency involved so the matter can be brought to the proper light. We at IMMAP are always open if Ms. Salcedo wishes us to mediate between the parties concerned during this discussion.

To help strengthen the credibility of the majority of the Philippine Blogosphere, IMMAP recommends the with the ability to safeguard its practitioners. We would be more than happy to be of assistance in the formation of this organization. In doing so, we can table the interest of the Philippine Blogosphere in the broader digital conversations in the industry.

For our part, IMMAP is currently updating its 2007 Code of Ethics with updated guidelines for digital advertising and social media. We’re looking forward to having a dialogue with representatives of the Philippine Blogosphere immediately to assist in the establishment and ratification of relevant ethical standards.

The statement hits it right on the part where doubts have been created if names are not mentioned or brought forth to the right forum. While I do agree with a collective set of ethical standards for bloggers , I am not convinced on the establishment of a national blogging organization. Bloggers are so diverse and may not want to belong to one big group for one reason or another.

Before the establishment of an organization, a set of ethical standards should first be deliberated and agreed upon in a conference or summit, then the rest can follow.

It is good to have guidelines and let’s start from there.


Here is what others think of the big bad blogger issue:

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.I wear many hats literally. With the summer heat, the hat protects me from direct sunlight or else I suffer migraines. My favorite is this light and summery straw fedora as it often gives my outfit a summery and sexy feel. I like how I look with my hats. Wearing many hats give diversity in my look. I guess I can say the same about wearing many hats as in having many responsibilities. With each change of hat I am a different person.

The past months, I have had to wear many hats. No longer was I just your ordinary mom blogger, I learned to go out of my comfort zone, learn everything I can about the elections and political issues. I looked forward to the day elections will be over and done with. I told myself that I just want to live my pre-Blog Watch laid-back lifestyle. No hectic schedules. No late nights writing articles. The past events made me rethink that position because I feel that I have gotten so involved with citizen’s watch.

Not only am I in citizen’s watch, I wear another hat as features editor of the Philippine Online Chronicles. I love my work. Listening to the story pitches of my editors every month is something to look forward to. I learn something new every time I read articles whether in Health & fitness, Sports, Technology, Movie Reviews , etc.

Then I wear another hat at home, as a loving wife and friend to my darling husband, and another hat to my two girls who are often too busy to talk to mommy. I’ve been so remiss with my homemaker’s hat. I am grateful that I have a trusted helpers who can execute my “things to do” for the day. I will wear this hat more often now , at least for the next few weeks. The dry grass in the garden needs to be attended to. The kitchen cabinet needs to be reorganized with the new appliances I just bought. The tons of books lingering with dust needs to be hauled off to someone who will actually read it. Junk , junk everywhere needs to be thrown out.

I’ve done my share to help this country. It’s time I attend to home sweet home. Oh yes, I will wear this hat for now.
——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.My daughter studied the birth certificate from the National Statistics office. She laughed as she saw the occupation of her parents.

Father- Law student
Mother- Homemaker

She could not believe her father was just a law student. I glanced at my husband, “Wasn’t it just yesterday we were struggling newly weds?”. Looking up from her birth certificate, she asked “Mom if I was born this year, what occupation will you place?”

I replied ” blogger”.

My answer brought a smile to her lips. She nodded “I thought so too.”

She didn’t have to say it but I felt she was proud that I am a blogger.

In the social media circle, I am known as the mom blogger, two words that mean a lot to me.

I loved being a full time mom till their college years even if it meant meeting financial challenges. Blogging opened doors for me and kept me busy when they were all at their boarding house. Seeing them go to college was just heart breaking. A semi-empty nest was how I felt when it was just me and my husband at home.

These days, I don’t smother them that often. I don’t feel bad leaving them whenever I am busy with election-related events. Well, I don’t feel bad because they are working anyway.

I often think of their future and the new leader of this country. I try to do my share in the upcoming elections because I know my children will benefit directly from good governance. That is my role as “mom blogger” in social media.

Ann Landers was right when she said “A hundred years from now… it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.Irrespective of who wins, I believe the biggest winner tonight is the blogging culture in the Asia Pacific itself- Ming and Tim, Founders of Nuffnang.com

It’s 1:42 AM and I have just uploaded the photos of the biggest blogger event I have ever attended. I loved it. The event was well organized, food was great, and meeting bloggers from 3 other countries is something different from other blogger events attended so far. The Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards gathered over 400 bloggers from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia. Around 31 Pinoy bloggers flew all the way to Singapore.

Photo via Ada Lajara. Glamorous Filipina bloggers gather at the Link Hotel before proceeding to the Pan Pacific Hotel for the Awards Ceremony

After 2 years of community building, Nuffnang.com presented the first ever Asia-Pacific Blog Awards at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

with Nuffnang co-founder Tim

Honoring the best of the blogosphere in the region, they ran 2 months worth of nominations and campaigning and culminated last night’s award ceremony. It is also the first time to see bloggers dressed in fancy or classy attire.

Anton and I loved the formal wear for once.

But see, the Aussie delegation were even more glamorous.

Meeting a few Malaysian bloggers was interesting. I like their formal wear too.

Of course, the gorgeous Gosengfiao sisters and Jehzeel in black tie affair gave a touch of elegance.

With Alodia Gosiengfiao, Ashley Gosiengfiao, Jehzeel

Photo Credits to Ada Lajara . Philippine Nuffnang President Eric Ramirez with Filipino Bloggers at the Pan Pacific Hotel

Congratulations to Ferdz Decena for winning Best Travel Blog for his ironwulf.net. He also won in the First Philippine Blog Awards. Ferdz is truly a winner.

I know the challenges faced when organizing Blog Awards and one is forever grateful to the sponsors. One of the major sponsors was Pringles which held a viral video contest and gave a prize of 5,000 singapore dollars for the winner. Here is that winning video:

The Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards criteria in determining the winners differ from the criteria that we set for the Philippine Blog Awards which is mostly based on the judges and a set of criteria. I noticed that content was not a main winning criteria (around 40% including relevance to category). Popularity for one was based on the 50% voting from readers. When I asked Xiaxue, the secret of winning three awards (Best Original Blog design, Best Regional blog, Most Influential Blog), she said that she asked her readers to vote for her. Well, but that is only 50% but when I asked her secret for her popularity, she said “just being myself” . I have yet to read her blog entries though.

Video I took of the Asia Pacific Blog Awards

In any case, I still believe that content should be the overall factor in determining a winner. Sure, the blog may not be popular but after the recognition, the blog gains a bit of fame and popularity. I hope Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards give a bit more weight to content rather than popularity in future winners. Is the content making a difference in Asian Pacific region? Owning unique content is more valuable than owning the blog or the design. A blog’s content is even more valuable if one can open it up for broad and creative use and making a difference in the world. Or perhaps just giving value. On the other hand, Filipino bloggers have the distinct advantage of freedom of speech compared to some of our Asian neighbors. There lies the difference in diverse content among our Asian counterparts.

Photos

My Photos of Asia Pacific Blog Awards

Flickr Photos from Ada Lajara

Official Photographs

Photos from Dustyhawk (Dustyhawk)

Other Entries

Ironwulf.net En Route is Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Award’s Best Travel Blog 2009 by Ferdz Decena

Nuffnang Blog Awards Gala Dinner! from Kuala Lumpur

Nuffnang Awards – A View from Serge (Malaysia)——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.It is Blog Action Day today. Filipino bloggers will speak out and take a stand now on climate change.

Filipinos in Metro Manila witnessed the effects of climate change never seen before in my entire lifetime of 52 years. Sure, I have seen floods but not in such wide scale proportions. My family survived the Ondoy floods. I feel blessed and at the same time guilty that not much was lost. Material possessions can easily be bought but lives, precious lives have been lost in other families.

What do I propose?

It is about time politicians and our good government develop a political will to monitor all these urban developments not only of real estate developers but the squatters that line the rivers and the dams. Oh the squatters, the number of votes it brings these politicians. It takes political will to put this into action. It is time for urban renewal. We cannot avoid the climate change but we can certainly control the wide-scale calamity. Climate risk management and adaptation is a top priority in our government.

In the upcoming election 2010 , I will make it my business to ask each the presidential, senatorial and congressional candidates their platforms towards climate change and sustainable urban and rural development. Are they aware of the flaws in their respective regions and what needs to be done? The climate change will form part of my election 2010 coverage together with other bloggers in our upcoming project, called Blog Watch. The soft launch will be next week. Watch out for it!

We all need to make a stand in any capacity we can. What can you do?

Read what the other Filipino bloggers had to say on Blog Action day.

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.I think it is because you live and you live well — this is why you can blog. Someday it will be said that blogging is merely the record of ‘lives well-lived. by Gang Badoy, One Blogging Nation

Hear ye, you should watch this entertaining video by Vince Golangco from wheninmanila.com which was part of the 3rd Philippine Blog Awards.

Philippine Blog Awards intro “Silent Film” Jose & Andres are Bloggers

It is my third year to attend the Philippine Blog Awards. It is only this year that I am not actively involved in the organizing committee except being a judge for the Personal and Family & Living category and Presentor for two categories. Last year, I was the President of the 2nd Philippine Blog Awards. Before that , I was in charge for food and venue. This year I took a break. I applaud the current officers of the Philippine Blog Awards for the theme of “One Blogging Nation”. I know how difficult it is to organize such a huge event and solicit sponsors. Trust me, it is not easy so please give them a big round of applause.

With Ferdz Decena as Presentors for the Winners of Family & Living, Advocacy, Travel, Food

This year’s blog awards is unique because it encompasses three regions of the Philippines thus making the theme “One Blogging Nation”. The keynote speaker, Gang Badoy says it all so let me share you her speech:

What an honor and a frustration to be given ten minutes to address, perhaps (arguably) the most eloquent group of people ever gathered in 2009. But here I am, so here I go.

I cannot discuss any other ‘angle on blogging’ tonight except my gratitude to bloggers. During a crisis- you have kept many of us informed, during darker times – you, blogger have inspired, during births – you spread the joy and during death – many of you have rendered those who have gone before us immortal. There is no single phenomenon that has done all those in such a level. Ang diin ng saad ng blogger sa sugat at balat ng Inang Bayan.

Your personal thoughts, observations, factual research even urgent yet seemingly trivial emotions have contributed greatly to us who read you. Imagine how wide the understanding of the next generation will be of us who have gone before them -because of your blogs. Mas maiintindihan nila kung saan tayo nanggaling. For me the best description of one who loves his country is someone who is interested in where we came from, where we are today – and where we want the country to go. Imagine the advantage the next generation has because they have our blogs to refer to.

Bloggers may have shook mainstream journalism out of its seeming (not apparent) complacency. It has pressured people to decide faster and smarter during emergencies because bloggers, for the most part, cover the many angles of truth. From the ground. I am aware that it is not all positive – lies, panic, confusion, anger, negativity have also stemmed from blogs. Blogs have given us headaches, I know one or two that have – but one thing is for sure – I have never encountered a blog that made me more complacent. And wow- what a gift. What a gift to the country – a country that desperately needs participation, incisive thinking, swift reason, informed suggestions and countless other values.

—-

Whenever the subject of press freedom comes up we always used to hear ‘better an abusive press than a suppressed one.’ I think bloggers took that one step further. Which is why my contention is this: there may be very few networks as powerful and as influential and as crucial as a responsible, articulate, prolific blogger.

2009 made me realize that a nation is not its government. Thank God. Blogging has relieved me with the fact that the history of the Philippines is no longer solely in the hands of the textbook writer. (Thank God) A history of a nation is really the collection of stories of individual lives. Our individual lives. Yours.

You know, during this recent crisis -one typhoon then the next – I observed that politicians will be ‘press-conning A” – networks will be reporting B – and bloggers will be saying C. How lucky we are to have all those views, may we have the resources and smarts to sift through all that. If we do, then we’re on our way.

Though divided in opinion I am still grateful to all who blog. Unity was never my premise for us to move and to make great a nation – but unity certainly is the goal. Not the premise — but the goal.

In my wobbly logic I will say that a country is a shared geographic space. It is the assigned square area where people live together. But a nation – wow, a nation is different; a nation is a frame of mind, a general direction, a common rhythm that a group of people share. That’s a nation.

—–
I like the title of this year’s awards. Three words that I hope to someday re-arrange. Maybe some day we can be just ONE NATION – and we just all happen to blog.

Last thought – blogging is not the ultimate verb here tonight. I know you have caught a lot of flack in the past about the seeming non-active motion bloggers take. For those who think that blogging is a minor verb, I have something to share: One cannot blog unless one goes out there. If you never got your hands dirty or walked streets, helped out, experienced heartbreak, death, birth, victory, defeat, betrayal, pain, sweat- then really- you have nothing to blog. I think it is because you live and you live well — this is why you can blog. Someday it will be said that blogging is merely the record of ‘lives well-lived.’ Again, for that I am grateful.

Keep on doing what you do, living the lives that you lead. If the country is lucky, you will still continue to blog and (quoting Plato) – your storytelling will be the education of our future’s heroes.

Welcome to the Philippines, One Blogging Nation.

Mabuhay tayong lahat.

Digital Chief Aileen Apolo, Digital Elders Me and Janette Toral

It’s been three years since I started blogging from a simple family and advocacy blog that now branched out to 10 other blog niches such as Filipina Images, Pinoy Food Blog, and coming soon, Blog Watch for Election 2010 coverage. It was a surprise and honor to be recognized by Globe (a sponsor) and the Philippine Blog Awards as one of the Elders of the Globe-PBA Digital Tribe for Luzon. Sharing this recognition is Aileen Apolo, Janette Toral and Manolo Quezon, Anton Diaz (not present). What an honor to be placed alongside top-notch bloggers.

I will continue blogging as always. Many wonderful things have been happening to me since I became a blogger. Sharing the changes in my new normal after the death of a child is one way of reaching out to others. I offer hope that life can still continue on despite the pain and that pain is a wonderful teacher.

My blog’s focus is on assisting and participating in advocacy groups that may reap the benefits of blogging. My efforts will not be in vain because these groups will be able to complement their grassroots efforts in advocating social change.

Lastly, I will continue to provide social commentary where I share my opinion on politics and current affairs. It’s my hope to contribute to the country’s progress through my relevant views and opinions.

Blogging doesn’t stop with the written words. I will be able to achieve all of these goals and achieve social impact not only by writing about it in my blog but actually participating in events and activities relevant to the advocacy.

My new blog project is coming soon and hopes to be relevant to the Ondoy and Pepeng victims as well as the upcoming Election 2010.

Let us continue on doing what we do, living the lives that we lead.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards.

Photo Credits to Arbet Bernardo and Fritz Tentativa to some of the photos.

Photo Albums

Arbet

Fritz——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

It’s a lazy sunday morning and as is my usual routine, I picked up the newspaper to go along with the steaming brewed coffee that my daughter bought from Guam. A paper ribbon with mysandbox.com printed on it is wrapped elegantly around the newspaper. Cute. Inside the lifestyle Section E of the Sunday Inquirer, a two page spread of Sandbox teaser campaign is displayed (see photo above). Finally… SMART Communications launched their latest endeavor, the Sandbox. I have been playing with their Sandbox before this launch. Like a children’s sandbox in a playground, it is both a toy and a tool for creativity, personal expression and interaction.

You know how it is…when children create castles, roads and bridges in the sand and play with their toy cars, dolls and blocks, they meet and interact with other children in a sandbox. That’s what I did when I registered as momblogger (Add me!) and hooked up with my other blogger-friends. I place so much faith in Sandbox not because it serves as the ultimate application for SMART mobile phones, but because it is a social networking site made by Filipinos for Filipinos. Like the real sandbox, I can imagine millions of Filipinos can enjoy and express themselves within the boundaries of this virtual playground. Theoretically, Sandbox sounds great!

Sandbox being a new platform is bound to have kinks and it is one reason that I am not quite satisfied with the current platform despite my belief that Sandbox will become the social network of choice. Sandbox may be grappling with birthing pains. I know that the site and its services must continuously evolve and improve in order to keep pace with the needs of Filipino Internet users. As a blogger and mobile worker, Sandbox does not meet my expectations as a blogging platform , specifically the user generated content component. I would want to see future improvements:

1. Ease of mobile blogging.

The mobile version is not live yet and I am not sure if they will improve on it. Using their current interface, mobile blogging is not fast enough as I have to log in to post. I have to spend 10 pesos to post an entry while at an event and you know how it is in events. One is busy and just have a few minutes to dabble with the phone and send updates. I need the mo-blogging to be swift. I look forward to using the Sandbox as my mobile blogging platform. I want the same ease , similar to sending my updates to microblogging platforms, like Plurk and Twitter via a text message.

2. Less Cluttered Interface

I can’t even find the place to change my password. Am I stupid or what? I have been online since 1995 and I certainly know where to change the password. It is either in settings or account. It is not even in My Profile. I know it is just there but it is not easy to spot.

Since the site does not save my password, I have to go to my email to copy and paste the alpha-numeric password. Navigating to the site requires two clicks before finally going to my virtual Sandbox playground.

When you log in, you go to the main page

Click to enlarge

then finally my Sandbox page with too many buttons to click through.

That’s how the sandbox looks like. Pretty but chunky. A cluttered and confusing site will cost money to the user if they use the mobile version.

3. List of updated posts or timeline in text format

Maybe I got spoiled with Twitter, Plurk or even Facebook! Updates of my friends are listed down. Right now, I can only view 5 updates at a time in their “Happenings” section. There is no way to scroll down to see the rest of the updates.

I am quite disappointed that they chose this clunky platform and it is not even made by our Filipino programmers. If I am not mistaken, this platform came from Australia. I expect online platforms to be no-brainers, user friendly and intuitive. Sandbox fails in usability for now. Yes, Sandbox is a social network made by Filipinos for Filipinos. I am thinking that the generated content is what they call “made by Filipinos”. Ely, a local design and usability expert adds more:

KEEP IT SIMPLE but USEFUL. If you had just made a simple cellphone application works like twitter (showing status updates), that allowed for ‘one-button-click’ picture and video sharing, that would’ve been more useful that this chop-suey social networking app. You tried to do too much. It was a waste of time and money.

My recommendation is drastic and unrealistic but I will say it just the same: ditch the current platform , hire our local Filipino programmers to develop a truly-Filipino Sandbox..

One positive thing going for Sandbox is that it is made possible by SMART’s new technology called High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), the next step in the evolution of the GSM (global standard for mobile technology). I once hooked my mobile phone to my macbook using the HSPA and got connected without interruption for 6 hours. With their 850 MHz HSPA network, I experienced fast and stable broadband experience. No kidding.

Though I have my own expectations towards Sandbox, I believe that the Sandbox experience will differ from one person to another. Some might not even go for the user-generated content but rely more on the online content store. Don’t take my word for it. Try it out. One may initially get confused in the virtual sandbox but with persistence, you will find your way. Maybe, Sandbox will improve with time. It should.

Join me at Sandbox. Register at mysandbox.com. My username is momblogger (add me). I also created groups, Recipe Exchange, Pet Babble, and Parenting Talk.

Maybe we can play and build sandcastles together.

If you are a Sandbox user, what’s your username? How is your Sandbox experience?

5 Reasons To Join Sandbox

Jayvee can probably convince you to join with his list on 5 reasons to Join Sandbox

1. Your friends are most probably already there
When Sandbox launched in April it had a few hundred beta testers who were members of mainstream and online publications. Communities have been growing at a steady rate across all spectra — video gaming, anime, tech, love, blogging advice, photography, food and dining .. the list goes on. And, if you can’t find a group that fits you, why not create your own?

2. it is built as a one stop shop
There are two components to Sandbox – the user generated features that’s composed of the social network aspect, blogging platform, and photo / video uploads and an online content store where you can download games and music (P30.00 per song, cheaper than iTunes). Sandbox integrates what’s on your web browser with your mobile in your account creation page thus when you order items from your desktop or laptop, the information is pushed to your phone.

3. It has tangible benefits
Not that I have anything against other social networks, but this is the first locally developed one that actively gives out rewards and benefits to its members. So apart from the fulfillment you get with connecting with your friends, there are true offline benefits for participating in promotions and campaigns.

4. You can make money
Because Sandbox is locally developed, there are more interesting opportunities for you to make money through the system. Apart from an advertising platform within Sandbox that is currently being developed, there are going to be other engagements that will allow Sandbox netizens to build their online real estate such as the mobile site development. During the beta brief, Anton discussed the feasibility of growing your community. Just like with blogs, your real estate inside Sandbox values over time, especially when you grab potentially high ranking keywords.

5. It is continuously being improved
So really, the most exciting thing about Sandbox is that it is continuously being improved based on the feedback from the community. I’ll be the first to say that what you’re currently seeing is still the tip of the iceberg and the team led by Rezza Custodio has been actively looking into feedback. Of course, change doesn’t happen overnight but the plans for the future of Sandbox will take a stronger stance on Web 2.0. So yeah, tell your friend

Sandbox is an online platform that allows anyone to connect with friends and share blog posts, photos and videos. Apart from this, Sandbox is also an online content store where you can buy music and games. So what sets it apart from other social networks? Sandbox is also locally developed and thus there is a continuous stream of offline fulfillment through giveaways, raffles and prizes. Read more on Sandbox

There will be live plugs/demos on SOP, Showbiz Central and the Buzz! Later at 4pm, Boy Abunda will be talking about it in the Buzz, and Pia Guanio will interview Mo Twister for Showbiz Central.

Disclosure: I have been a sandbox user before the official launch.

What other Bloggers think of Sandbox

1. What is Sandbox? by Jayvee

2. Playing in the Sandbox by Ria

3. Smart’s Sandbox: Quo Vadis? by Juned

4. SMART’s Attempt At Social Networking by Ely

5. Mobile 2.0 War: Sandbox vs. Pixlink, by Anton——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.The bottom line is that blogging is like sex. You can’t fake it. You can’t fake passion. You can’t fake wanting to engage with the public. If you do, it will ultimately be an unsatisfying experience for both the blogger and their readers., Kevin Anderson

Behind me are Cebu Bloggers wearing T-shirts with “Blogger ko Bai”

As a newbie blogger in 2006, I dared volunteer for iBlog 2 as a moderator for speakers. I wanted to network with bloggers and also meet my idol bloggers. I am the type of person who is not easily star struck with celebrities or Hollywood stars. But that was the feeling I got when I met blogging idols like Abe “Yuga” Olandres and Manolo Quezon in the 2006 summit. The following year, I talked in iBlog 3 and my topic was “Personal Blogging Success”. *Gasps* I don’t want to minimize myself because success is very relative but there I was… The star-struck me in 2006 was now a speaker in 2007. The same thing happened in iBlog 4 in 2008.

This year…my role is a bit stress-free, well sort of . I was the The Time Keeper. You know the one that holds a piece of paper that notifies the speaker that they have 5 minutes or 2 minutes or Let’s wrap it up. I enjoyed it just as much as the previous iBlog summits. Every role or task counts to make the iBlog a success.

What was it like this year?

iBlog 5 was a blast. There were more bloggers this time compared to the previous years. I had a great time meeting new bloggers, old bloggers and even got to drag my husband in the afternoon.

Like Chilling with AJ with Fritz at the front row.

Enjoying livestreaming with AJ

Busy helping out at the front desk

Thrilled that I got to talk to Dean Jorge Bocobo, Leslie Bocobo, Dean’s cousin and my husband.

Watching as Mike Abundo hogs the mike.

Laughing at how BryanBoy got featured in the Preparing Bloggers for the 2010 Elections- COMELEC on Blogging & Bloggers by Dir. James Jimenez, COMELEC-EID Director

Bonding with Mommy bloggers, of course which I only did at the end of the summit.

And last but not the least! Laughing as the Patay Gutom Bloggers (PGB) requested a photo op with Carlo Ople. What fun!

I learn something new each year and aim to be a better blogger every year. To answer Anton Diaz‘ question “Are you evolving as a blogger?”

Yes, I am evolving as a blogger. I see myself in it for the long haul. Blogging empowers me to live a life of meaning and purpose.

As I have repeatedly written in one form or other, blogging is not about writing posts. Heck, that’s the least of your challenges. No, blogging is about cultivating a mutually beneficial relationships with an ever-growing online readership, and that’s hard work., Alister Cameron

Kudos to UP College of Law Internet and Society Program and Janette Toral.

Related Blogs

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Follow me in twitter @momblogger.Mommy bloggers, and Future Mommy Bloggers, come join our Mommy Bloggers Booth on May 10 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Expo Mom 2009, Rockwell Tent. Yeah, we can only be there on May 10 because we are attending the iblog5 on May 9. But don’t miss us there!

Your favorite mommy bloggers will be hanging out there and present a powerpoint slideshow of blogging 101 and other mom blogger sites to booth visitors.

If you are a mommy blogger, please post a description of your blog and the url on the comment section so we can include your url and screencap of your blog in the presentation.

There are other activities that you might also find interesting other than blogging. On-stage talks and activities are:

1. Pregnancy do’s and don’ts
2. Breastfeeding
3. Baby Sign Language
4. Baby Massage
5. Mom Means Business: Mompreneur Talks
6. Mom and Baby Yoga
7. Scrapbooking for Mommies
8. Arts and Music for Infants and Kids
9. Fashion Show for Baby and Mom Fashionistas
10. Baby Wearing
11. New Finds- Showcase of new unique products from the Exhibitors
12. The Active Daddy
13. Your baby can Read!
14. Talks by Major Sponsors
15. Games and Raffles Draw

Don’t forget Mom Bloggers on Expo Mom 2009

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where: Expo Mom 2009, Rockwell Tent

Mommy bloggers, please post your blog url below.

See you all!

Expo Mom 2009 Info

More info on Expo Mom 2009.

Everyone’s welcome at Expo Mom 2009! Here are some information about how to attend the Expo:

1) A minimal entrance fee of 25 pesos will be charged at the gate on May 9 and 10.

2) Pre-registration to Expo Mom is not required, but it is encouraged.

3) The first 500 pre-registrants will received an Expo Mom bag at the entrance.

4) To pre-register, email the following info to register@expomom.com:

Complete Name

Address

Tel. No.

Mobile No.

Email address

Are you pregnant? Y/N

Are you breastfeeding? Y/N

How many kids do you have? What are their ages?

Where did you hear about Expo Mom?

5) Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation text which you should present at the Expo Mom entrance in order to receive your free Expo Mom bag.

Hope to see you at Expo Mom!

Schedule

MAY 9, SATURDAY

10:00 am- EXPO MOM OPENS

11:30 am- FORMAL OPENING & WELCOME

1:00 pm – Sponsor’s Portion

1:30 pm- What every woman needs to know about cervical cancer

2:00 pm- Kindermusik for Toddlers & Kids by Teacher Jeannie Castillo

2:30 pm- Baby Sign Language by Jaymie Pizarro

3:00 pm- Sponsor’s Talk: Baby Ready with J&J

3:30 pm- Attachment Parenting & Baby Wearing by Jen Tan

4:00 pm- Yoga Kids by Michelle Aventajado

4:30 pm- Musical Number by My Masterpiece Multi-Arts school

5:30 pm- Onstage Games

6:00 pm- Mom Massage Demo by Vier Tajonera

Raffle Draw

8:00 pm CLOSING

MAY 10, SUNDAY

10:00 am- EXPO MOM DAY 2 OPENS

10:30 am- Musical Number by My Masterpiece Multi-arts School

11:30 am Onstage Games

12:30 pm Gymboree Portion

1:30 pm Healthy Meals by Dona Elena Olive Oil

2:00 pm Belly Dancing for Expectant Moms by Dr. Faye Cagayan

Onstage Games

2:30 pm Your Baby Can Read! Talk

3:00 pm Happy Belly Health & Fitness by Rome Kanapi

3:30 pm A Mom’s Life Talk Show (tentative)

4:30 pm Mommy Fashion by Contour Fashion/ D&A Fashion

5:00 pm Expo Mom Get Together with Live Acoustic music by Paolo Santos

Raffle Draw

8:00 pm Closing

*Schedules may change without notice.——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets. Or Follow me in twitter @momblogger.

How about visiting my Beauty over 50 blog?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado